Volunteers Make Waves! National Volunteer Week 2025

• April 1, 2025

  Posted by: Corinne Napper

  National Volunteer Week takes place the week of April 27th to May 3rd, 2025. This year's theme is Volunteers Make Waves!

  #VolunteersMakeWaves #NVW2025

  

  The theme highlights the power, impact and importance of individual and collective volunteer efforts across Canada. Like a wave, volunteering is movement building.

  Water is in constant motion, always flowing, shifting, and transforming with every powerful wave or quiet ripple. And so is each volunteer's contribution toward creating impact in our communities.

  Each individual volunteer contribution, big or small, creates momentum and has the power to influence and inspire, joining a wave of positive change.

  During National Volunteer Week 2025, we come together to recognize and celebrate all the ways volunteers make waves in our province ❤️.

  

  What can you do to celebrate volunteers between April 27 - May 3, 2025?

  Here are some ideas:

  • ❤️ Post on social media using Volunteer Canada's Campaign Kit, don't forget to tag us @volunteermanitoba 😉
  • ❤️ Hand write a thank you message to your volunteers; they will appreciate the time it took for you to write something out!
  • ❤️ Print some posters from Volunteer Canada's website!
  • ❤️ Provide small tokens of appreciation such as a thank you certificate. You can print them here as well.
  • ❤️ Bring some wave-inspired bites like ripple chips & dip, sushi bites or seafoam cupcakes (the traditional pizza or donuts works just as well 😆)

  Even more ways to show your volunteers how much you appreciate them!

  Volunteer Appreciation Events: Host a special event or gathering to honour volunteers. This could range from a simple luncheon to a formal awards ceremony (like the Annual Volunteer Awards, hosted by Volunteer Manitoba), providing an opportunity to express gratitude, share stories, and celebrate achievements.

  Volunteer Tours: Volunteers are usually your organization's biggest fans, so reward them with exclusive behind-the-scenes tours. Whether in a historic building or an outdoor venue, there's always something exciting to share. Even mundane areas can be interesting to those who are not familiar with it. These tours can be memorable and enjoyable and turn volunteers into advocates, equipping them with stories and insights about your mission.

  Inspire Volunteers: share some inspirational quotes about volunteerism with this free Canva.com template.

  Skill Development Opportunities: Invest in volunteers' personal and professional development by offering training workshops, skill-building sessions, or access to resources that enhance their abilities and broaden their impact.

  Public Recognition: Showcase volunteers' contributions through press releases, newsletters, or community publications. By shining a spotlight on their efforts, you not only honour their work but also inspire others to get involved and raise awareness about your cause!

  Flexible Volunteer Opportunities: Recognize that volunteers have diverse interests, skills, and availability. Offer flexible volunteer opportunities that cater to different schedules and preferences, ensuring that everyone can contribute in a way that aligns with their passions and abilities.

  Support your volunteers by acknowledging and assisting with their public transportation costs: Many volunteers rely on the bus system, if your organization is able, supply them with bus tickets for their volunteer shifts.

  Continuous Feedback and Support: Foster open communication with volunteers, seeking their input, feedback, and suggestions for improvement. Providing ongoing support and guidance demonstrates a commitment to their success and well-being.

  Long-term Engagement: Recognize that volunteer appreciation is not limited to a single week but should be an ongoing effort. Cultivate a culture of gratitude and recognition within your organization or community, fostering a sense of belonging and friendship among volunteers.

  Something to keep in mind: Changes in Recognition Preferences!

  You know it's important to recognize and appreciate your volunteers to keep them motivated and committed however, the way that your volunteers want to be recognized may have changed. Be sure you are aware of the ways YOUR volunteers would like to be acknowledged for their contributions. Be sure to ask them - you may be surprised!

  Sammy Feilchenfeld, CVA, from Volunteer Toronto has put together this infographic, click through to see the complete document which includes a breakdown of stats and comments from volunteers and non-profits:

  

  Many Thanks!

  We really appreciate everything the volunteers in Manitoba do because, just like the ripple effect of waves, every little thing they do makes a big difference in our community and province. We're also thankful for all the hard work and heart of volunteer leaders everywhere.

  Thank you to all volunteers and Leaders of Volunteers!

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